Improv Classes

Why Take Improv?

In this fun and exciting interactive process, you will gain self-confidence, sharpen your communication skills, and learn the type of teamwork necessary to create something original and brilliant from scratch. Right from the start, our students are on their feet exploring hilarious exercises and skill-driven games in an incredibly supportive and fun environment under the guidance of our caring and experienced faculty,

Unexpected Productions’ teachers instruct the basics of improv, which are not only useful to improvisers, but to anybody wanting to work with others, as a member of a team, as an effective communicator, as a good listener, or simply as a friend!

All 100-600 classes are for ages 17+. Get ready to:

Discover the joy of spontaneous storytelling

Conquer fears

Improve your job skills

Spark creativity

Meet people/make new friends

Become a better listener

Be a better problem solver

HAVE A BLAST

Our celebrated education program is the most established improv school in the region. We host classes in two locations in downtown Seattle and in Redmond. We offer 7 levels of classes with 4 quarters a year. We also offer specialty improv classes, sketch and stand-up comedy classes from renowned teachers from around the globe.

Improv 700 The Graduate Series

Specialty Classes

Acting for Improvisers with Cynthia Lair

March 16 – March 30 , 1:00 – 4:00PM

Bring your improvised scenes to life and experience what it means to fully inhabit the characters you create. Learn to embrace in the imaginary circumstances we improvise. Strong acting skills will help you transform your scene work from the mechanics to authentically lived in spontaneous theater.

Utilizing Uta Hagen’s exercises and methods (many found in her book, Respect for Acting), as well as techniques from other master acting teachers, this class focuses on pursuing objectives that result in emotional responses, as well as internal and external actions. Emphasis is placed on slowing down, listening, and allowing offers to land before responding honestly – moment-to-moment improv. Practicing these techniques can bring richness and reality to improvised scene work.

Creating Stage-Worthy Personal Stories Workshop with Kent Whipple

March 24 and 31, April 7 and 14

Sundays 3:00 – 5:30

Learn to tell a “Moth-type” story or any story on stage, work and with friends. Get comfortable on stage. This intensive workshop explores the art of oral storytelling including story creation, enhancement, and presentation. Learn simple practical story guidelines and step-by-step tools, to create incredible honest stories from your life experience. Learn how to share stories that are genuine, generous, and vulnerable in a fun creative space. We use the writing tools from Natalie Goldberg’s book, Writing Down the Bones, narrative improv games, the use of sense memory and unique storytelling techniques to create a “stage-worthy” story. This workshop is perfect for novice storytellers, or a chance to add to the skillset of a seasoned performer. Come share your story.

Somewhat beloved comedian and storyteller, and Seattle comedy legend, Emmett Montgomery (who was on TV once) will help students develop five to ten minutes of “something funny.” Emphasis will be placed on stand-up and storytelling techniques and also explore techniques like character development, as well as, other types of sharing through performance and discussion. The class will culminate with a showcase at the end of the course.

Youthprov

In Youthprov, you will learn the fundamentals of good improvisation through games and exercises. Explore the basics of storytelling and spontaneous scene creation through strong characters, listening, narrative, self-confidence, spontaneity, and basic stage skills. The focus will be on creating ensemble work in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. Student will have a blast, make friends and gain incredible life skills.

Improvisers will:

Study the fundamentals of improvisation.

Develop strong ensemble and character skills.

Develop stage presence.

Build patience, self-confidence, good communication skills, and a respect for other performers and their creativity.